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Patent 2874803 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2874803
(54) English Title: FURNITURE STRUCTURE
(54) French Title: STRUCTURE DE MEUBLE
Status: Deemed Abandoned and Beyond the Period of Reinstatement - Pending Response to Notice of Disregarded Communication
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A47B 47/04 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • PICCHIO, CESARE (Italy)
  • MOLTENI, PIETRO (Italy)
(73) Owners :
  • UNIFOR S.P.A.
(71) Applicants :
  • UNIFOR S.P.A. (Italy)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2012-12-14
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2013-12-12
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/IB2012/057319
(87) International Publication Number: WO 2013182877
(85) National Entry: 2014-11-26

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
MI2012A000984 (Italy) 2012-06-06

Abstracts

English Abstract

A furniture structure (1) comprising: at least one shoulder (2) having a shoulder body (3) of a preset height (H), said shoulder body (3) having at least ' one wall (4) which delimits said shoulder body (3); said shoulder body (3) comprising at least one shoulder slit (5) forming an opening through said at least one wall (4) having a preset longitudinal extension and preset transverse dimension or width (s1); said furniture structure (1) further comprising a back panel (6) having a substantially plate-shaped back panel body (7) of a preset thickness (r) transverse in relation to said plate- shaped back panel body (7); said back panel body (7) comprising at least one back panel edge (8) suitable to cooperate with said at least one shoulder (2) to form said furniture structure (1); wherein said back panel edge (8) has at least one tenon portion or tenon (9) comprising a tenon neck (10) and a tenon projection (11); and wherein said tenon neck (10) has a preset neck dimension (s) transverse to said plate-shaped back panel body (7); and wherein said tenon projection (11) has a tenon projection dimension (R), transverse to the plate-shaped back panel body (7), that is greater than said preset back panel thickness (r); and wherein said tenon projection (11) has a tenon projection dimension (R), transverse to the plate-shaped back panel body (7), that is greater than said neck dimension (s); and wherein said at least one back panel tenon (9) is inserted into said shoulder slit (5) by arranging its tenon neck (10) astride said at least one shoulder body wall (4) and bringing said tenon projection (11) in undercut with respect to the back panel body (7).


French Abstract

L'invention concerne une structure de meuble (1) comprenant : au moins un épaulement (2) ayant un corps d'épaulement (3) d'une hauteur préétablie (H), ledit corps d'épaulement (3) ayant au moins une paroi (4) qui délimite ledit corps d'épaulement (3) ; ledit corps d'épaulement (3) comprenant au moins une fente d'épaulement (5) formant une ouverture à travers ladite au moins une paroi (4) ayant une extension longitudinale préétablie et une dimension ou une largeur transversale préétablie (s1) ; ladite structure de meuble (1) comprenant en outre un panneau arrière (6) ayant un corps de panneau arrière sensiblement en forme de plaque (7) d'une épaisseur préétablie (r) transversale par rapport audit corps de panneau arrière en forme de plaque (7) ; ledit corps de panneau arrière (7) comprenant au moins un bord de panneau arrière (8) approprié pour coopérer avec ledit au moins un épaulement (2) pour former ladite structure de meuble (1) ; ledit bord de panneau arrière (8) ayant au moins une partie tenon ou un tenon (9) comprenant un cou de tenon (10) et une saillie de tenon (11) ; et ledit cou de tenon (10) ayant une dimension de cou préétablie (s) transversale audit corps de panneau arrière en forme de plaque (7) ; et ladite saillie de tenon (11) ayant une dimension de saillie de tenon (R), transversale au corps de panneau arrière en forme de plaque (7), qui est supérieure à ladite épaisseur de panneau arrière préétablie (r); et ladite saillie de tenon (11) ayant une dimension de saillie de tenon (R), transversale au corps de panneau arrière en forme de plaque (7), qui est supérieure à ladite dimension de cou (s) ; et ledit au moins un tenon de panneau arrière (9) étant introduit dans ladite fente d'épaulement (5) par agencement de son cou de tenon (10) à califourchon sur ladite au moins une paroi de corps d'épaulement (4) et amenant ladite saillie de tenon (11) à se couper par rapport au corps de panneau arrière (7).

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CLAIMS
1. A furniture structure (1), comprising:
at least one side structure (2) having a side structure body
(3) having a preset height (H), said side structure body (3)
having at least one wall (4) defining said side structure body
(3);
said side structure body (3) comprising at least one side
structure slit (5) forming an opening through said at least
one wall (4) having a preset longitudinal dimension and a
preset transverse dimension or width (s1);
said furniture structure (1) further comprising a back panel
(6) having a substantially plate-shaped back panel body (7)
having a preset thickness (r) transverse in relation to said
plate-shaped back panel body (7); said back panel body (7)
comprising at least one back panel edge (8) suitable to
cooperate with said at least one side structure (2) to form
said furniture structure (1);
wherein
said back panel edge (8) has at least one tenon portion or
tenon (9) comprising a tenon neck (10) and a tenon projection
(11);
and wherein said tenon neck (10) has a preset neck dimension
(s), transverse in relation to said plate-shaped back panel
body (7);
and wherein said tenon projection (11) has a tenon projection
34

dimension (R) transverse in relation to the plate-shaped back
panel body (7) greater than said preset back panel thickness
(r);
and wherein said tenon projection (11) has a tenon projection
dimension (R) transverse in relation to the plate-shaped back
panel body (7) greater than said neck dimension (s);
and wherein said at least one back panel tenon (9) is inserted
into said side structure slit (5) by arranging its tenon neck
(10) astride said at least one side structure body wall (4)
and bringing said tenon projection (11) in undercut with
respect to the back panel body (7).
2. The furniture structure (1) according to claim 1, further
comprising a retaining block (12) having a retaining block
body (13) that forms a block seat (14), said block seat (14)
comprising a block slot (15) facing outwardly from the
retaining block (12), said block slot (15) having a transverse
dimension (s2) substantially equal to the width (s1) of the
side structure slit (5),
said block seat (14) further comprising an undercut block
space (16) having a transverse dimension of the space (s3)
greater than said block slot (15) transverse dimension (s2),
said retaining block (12) being joined to said side structure
(2) so as to make said block slot 15 aligned with and face
said side structure slit 5 from the opposite side to the at
least one side structure body wall (4) with respect to the

back panel body (7) to receive a portion of said tenon neck
(10) in said block slot (15) and to receive said tenon
projection (11) in said undercut block space (16) to join said
back panel (6) to said side structure (2), wherein said tenon
projection (11) has a tenon projection dimension (R)
transverse in relation to the plate-shaped back panel body (7)
greater than said block slot (15) transverse dimension (s2),
and/or wherein
said tenon neck (11) is received in said side structure slit
(5) of said at least one side structure body wall (4) with a
clearance, and/or wherein
said tenon neck (11) is received in said block slot (15) of
said block seat (16) with a clearance, and/or wherein
said tenon projection (11) is received in said undercut block
space (16) with a clearance, and/or wherein
said side structure slit (5) extends across the entire side
structure height (H) of said side structure (2), and/or
wherein
said back panel edge (8) of said back panel body (7)
geometrically couples with a clearance with said side
structure slit (5) across its entire length.
3. The furniture structure (1) according to any one of the
previous claims, wherein said back panel tenon (9) is formed
by a back panel plate-shaped body projection (17) to which at
least two tenon blocks (18) are firmly secured, for example by
36

welding, and on opposite sides, and/or wherein
said back panel body (7) is obtained from a plate by laser
cutting, and/or wherein
said side structure (2) is made of a first material, said back
panel (6) is made of a second material, and said retaining
block (12) is made of a third material, and/or wherein
said back panel (6) and said retaining block (12) are made of
the same material, and/or wherein
said side structure (2) is made of aluminium or an aluminium
alloy, said back panel (6) is made of steel or a steel alloy,
and said retaining block (12) is made of steel or a steel
alloy.
4. The furniture structure (1) according to any one of the
previous claims, comprising two opposite side structures (2)
that are identical or specular to one another, suitable to
couple with an interposed back panel (6), and/or wherein
a base structure (20) arranged at the bottom and for a firm
connection of the base of said opposite side structures (2) is
comprised, to form a furniture structure module, and/or
wherein
said back panel body (7) has at least one second back panel
edge (21) substantially orthogonal to said back panel edge (8)
cooperating with the side structure (2), which is arranged at
the bottom of said back panel (6);
and/or wherein
37

said back panel body (7) has at least a third back panel edge
(25) substantially orthogonal to said back panel edge (8)
cooperating with the side structure (2), which is arranged at
the top of said back panel (6), and/or wherein
said second back panel edge (21) is defined by opposite back
panel plate surfaces (22, 23), and wherein
said base structure (20) cooperates with said second back
panel edge (21) by tightening and pressing closely said
opposite back panel plate surfaces (21), and/or wherein
said base structure (20) comprises at least one pair of base
beams (26) having a prevailing length and folded ends (27),
wherein said beam (26) rests on and tightens and presses
closely the back panel (6), and firmly connects with its beam
ends (27) to the side structure (2), and/or wherein
said back panel (6), with its back panel tenons (9) arranged
to extend the superiorly arranged third back panel edge (25),
connects with said opposite side structures (2), and said
opposite side structures (2) are mutually connected in the
proximity of their base through said base beams (26), thus
forming a superiorly and inferiorly closed structure, and/or
wherein
said furniture structure (1) further comprises a cover
structure (19) supported by said side structures (2), said
structure having a longitudinal cover seat (24), and/or
wherein said third back panel edge (25) is defined by opposite
38

back panel plate surfaces (22, 23), and wherein
said cover structure (19) cooperates with said third back
panel edge (25), which is at least partially received into
said longitudinal cover seat (24), and/or wherein
said side structure (2) is manufactured as a hollow box-shaped
structure, for example as an extrusion or a plurality of
mutually connected extrusions, and wherein said retaining
block (12) is received into said hollow structure, hiding the
connection with the back panel tenon (9) from view.
5. The furniture structure (1) according to any one of the
previous claims, wherein the side structure (2) comprises at
least one foot (28) adjustably extending from the side
structure (2) in order to adjust the height of the side
structure (2) from a supporting plane (29), for example, a
floor of a building, and/or wherein
each side structure comprises at least two feet (28)
adjustably extending from the side structure (2), and/or
wherein said at least two feet (28) are arranged at the
opposite ends of the side structure (2) base and can be
adjusted to raise the side structure, and, therewith, the
entire furniture
structure (1) from the supporting plane (29), compensating
construction tolerances or deformations due to the load
supported by the furniture structure, or thermal deformations
of the furniture structure.
39

6. The furniture structure (1) according to any one of the
previous claims, wherein a covering panel (30) is connected to
at least one side structure (2) in its surface opposite to the
back panel (6), and/or wherein
said side structure comprises an embedding seat (31) receiving
said covering panel (30), by burying it flush with the seat
edges, and/or wherein
said covering panel has a surface facing the side structure,
comprising at least one preferably blind seat (32), in said
seat a coupling pin (33) is firmly received, having a free end
(34) and stop means for elastic means (35) fitted on said
coupling pin to affect in pre-load an undercut supporting
washer (36), wherein said pin (33) together with said washer
(36) preloaded by said elastic means (35) are received in
a seat (37) for covering panel provided in said side structure
(2), having an inlet opening (38) having a width capable of
receiving the pin (33) and the washer (36), said opening (38)
continuing with a panel coupling slit (39) suitable to slide
the stem of said coupling pin (33), but preventing the escape
of the undercut rest washer (36) that, when inserted into said
seat (37), elastically affects said covering panel (30)
abutting against the side structure (2) and connecting the
panel (30) to the side structure, hiding each connection means
from view, and avoiding the use of permanent fixing means,
such as glue or welding, and/or wherein

said covering panel is a covering element plate (30).
7. The furniture structure (1) according to any one of the
previous claims, wherein the side structure (2) comprises at
least one series of anchoring means (40) of support hooks for
shelves (41), and/or wherein
said anchoring means (40) comprise a rack received in a track
(42) of the side structure (2) and facing with its anchoring
loops (43) a track slot (44), through which support hooks for
shelves (41) are inserted and are coupled with said anchoring
loops (43) to support a shelf (41) at the preset height,
and/or wherein
a pair of opposite side structures (2) clamped by a back panel
(6) and a base structure (20) form a structure of a bookcase
to which a plurality of shelves or ledges (41) are coupled,
and/or wherein
said back panel is made of steel plate having a thickness
ranging from between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably 2 mm, and/or
wherein
said retaining block (12) is made of steel and forms a block
seat having a height ranging from between 20 mm and 700 mm,
preferably 30 and 100 mm, to receive in undercut the tenon
projection (11) of the back panel
(6).
8. A method of assembling a furniture structure, comprising
the steps of:
41

providing a furniture structure (1) according to any one of
claims 1 to 7,
vertically arranging a side structure (2) that is rested on a
supporting plane (29);
fitting a back panel tenon (9) in undercut in a side structure
slit (5);
at least partially inserting a back panel edge (8) in a side
structure slit (5).
9. The method of assembling a furniture structure according to
claim 8, comprising the further steps of:
arranging a second opposite side structure (2) facing the
first one, and
fitting in undercut an opposite back panel tenon (9) provided
at the opposite end of the back panel (6) in a side structure
slit (5) of the opposite side structure (2), and
at least partially inserting an opposite back panel edge (8)
in an opposite side structure slit (5) of the opposite side
structure (2), and/or comprising the further steps of,
before fitting in undercut the opposite back panel tenon (9)
in the side structure slit (5) of the opposite side structure
(2), connecting a base structure (20) to the base of the first
side structure (2), tightening and closely pressing the back
panel (6), and/or comprising the further optional steps of
connecting the opposite side structure (2) to the opposite end
of the base structure (20), and
42

resting a cover structure (19) on the opposite side structures
by fitting the longitudinal cover seat (24) on the back panel
edge.
10. The method of assembling a furniture structure according
to claim 8 or 9, comprising the further steps of
inserting the at least one coupling pin (33) and the undercut
supporting washer (36) projecting from the rear part of a
covering panel (30) into an inlet opening seat (38) of a seat
(37) for covering panel, provided in an end side structure of
a furniture structure,
coupling in undercut of the wall of a side structure body (3)
the supporting washer (36) by sliding the stem of the coupling
pin along the panel coupling slit,
embedding the covering panel (30) in the embedding seat (31)
of the side structure (2), and/or comprising the further
optional steps of
inserting the at least one coupling pin (33) and the undercut
supporting washer (36) projecting from the rear part of a
covering panel (30) into an inlet opening seat (38) of a seat
(37) for covering panel, provided in a cover structure of a
furniture structure,
coupling in undercut of the wall of a cover structure body the
supporting washer (36) by sliding the coupling pin stem along
the panel coupling slit,
embedding the covering panel (30) into the embedding seat of
43

the cover structure.
44

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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DESCRIPTION
"Furniture structure"
[0001]. Field of the invention
[0002]. The present invention refers to a furniture
structure.
[0003]. In particular, the present invention refers to a
furniture structure such as, for example, a bookcase, in
particular a metal structure capable of withstanding even
heavy loads while continuing to have an aesthetically pleasant
appearance.
[0004]. More in particular, the present invention refers to
a modular furniture structure, obtained by assembling
different units and suitable to be dismantled and reassembled
quickly when re-arranging the layout of the furniture in the
rooms of a building, for example a building used by the
public, such as a library.
[0005]. For this reason, there is a strong need for
furniture structures that are robust while at the same time
able to substantially hide the structural elements used to
join the various units from the user's view.
[0006]. In particular, there is a strong need for a
furniture structure, for example a bookcase with shelves, that
is simple to make and assemble, but which at the same time is
robust and capable of bearing decorative elements that may be

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as heavy as or even heavier than the actual furniture
structure itself.
[0007]. More in particular, there is a strong need for a
furniture structure in which the use of coupling elements
between the parts, such as screws, bolts and above all glue
and welding, is reduced to a minimum.
[0008]. Even more in particular, there is a strong need for
a large furniture structure that is easily adaptable as a
function of the construction tolerances of the components
thereof or of the surface on which it stands or which can
adapt to wide temperature ranges and the relative deformations
of the actual structure.
[0009]. Prior art
[0010]. Document GB 900215 A by VERNON CARLOS JACK BLAKE
describes a metal box-shaped structure for use as a bookshelf
bay, for example in a library. However, said structure is not
suitable for bearing shelves or decorative panels.
[0011]. Document JP 55139135 A also describes a box-shaped
furniture structure made of folded sheet metal. However, also
in this case the proposed structure is not particularly
suitable for bearing heavy loads.
[0012]. Document EP 0 426 051 B1 by KYORAKU CO. LTD.
describes a box-shaped furniture structure in which walls, a
=
base and a back panel are joined to form a bay. Also in this

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case not all the joints are hidden from view and above all the
structure is not suitable for heavy loads.
[0013]. Document JP 2009-101097 by KOKUYO KK describes a
box-shaped structure with walls that are thin yet suitable for
creating a robust assembly.
[0014]. Solution
[0015].
The purpose of the present invention is therefore to
provide a furniture structure that satisfies the aforesaid
needs and at the same time overcomes the drawbacks of the
prior art solutions mentioned above.
[0016].
Said problem is overcome with a furniture structure
as claimed in appended claim 1 and a method for assembling a
furniture structure as claimed in appended claim 8.
[0017].
According to a general embodiment of the invention,
a furniture structure comprises at least one shoulder having a
shoulder body with a preset height. Said shoulder body has at
least one wall which delimits said shoulder body. Said
shoulder body comprises at least one shoulder slit forming an
opening through said at least one wall, said opening having a
preset longitudinal dimension and a preset transverse
dimension or width.
[0018].
Said furniture structure further comprises a back
panel having a substantially plate-shaped back panel body of a
preset thickness transverse in relation to said plate-shaped

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back panel. Said back panel body comprises at least one back
panel edge suitable to cooperate with said at least one
shoulder to form said furniture structure.
[0019].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel edge has at least one tenon portion or tenon
comprising a tenon neck and a tenon projection. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said tenon neck has a preset
neck dimension, transverse in relation to said plate-shaped
back panel body. Said tenon projection has a tenon projection
dimension, transverse in relation to the plate-shaped back
panel body, that is greater than said preset back panel
thickness.
[0020].
According to one embodiment, said tenon projection
has a tenon projection dimension, transverse in relation to
the plate-shaped back panel body, greater than said neck
dimension.
[0021].
According to one embodiment, said at least one back
panel tenon is inserted into said shoulder slit by arranging
its tenon neck astride said at least one shoulder body wall
and bringing said tenon projection in undercut with respect to
the back panel body.
[0022].
In accordance with a further general embodiment of
the invention, a furniture structure comprises a covering
panel that is connected to at least one furniture shoulder in

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its surface opposite to that of the shoulder that is connected
to a back panel. Said shoulder comprises an embedding seat
which receives said covering panel, by burying it flush with
the seat edges.
5 [0023].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
covering panel has a surface facing the shoulder which
comprises at least one preferably blind seat, and said seat
firmly receives a coupling pin having a free end and stop
means for elastic means fitted on said coupling pin to affect
in pre-load an undercut supporting washer.
[0024].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
pin together with said washer pre-loaded by said elastic means
are received in a covering panel seat provided in said
shoulder, having an inlet opening of a width capable of
receiving the pin and the washer. According to one embodiment
of the invention, said opening continues with a panel coupling
slit suitable to allow the stem of said coupling pin to slide,
but capable of preventing the escape of the undercut
supporting washer that, when inserted into said seat,
elastically affects said covering panel abutting against the
shoulder and connecting the panel to the shoulder, hiding each
joining means from view, and avoiding the need for permanent
fixing means, such as glue or welding.
[0025].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said

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covering panel is, for example, a covering element plate.
[0026].
The solutions described above make it possible to
obtain an extremely robust structure which is also adaptable
as a function of specific operating conditions, construction
tolerances or changing environmental temperatures.
[0027].
In particular, with the solutions described above
the furniture structure can be adapted according to the
construction tolerances of the back panel and the extrudates
or box-shaped elements that form the shoulders or the covering
structure.
[0028].
The allowance for clearance in the joints between
the tenon and the check block seat means that it is possible
to compensate for out-of-flatness of the supporting surface
even in the case of extremely long furniture structures, or
deformations due to thermal expansion of the components of the
structure, or deformations due to heavy loads placed on the
structure.
[0029].
The proposed solution is particularly suitable for
use as book shelving in a library, or cabinets in an office.
[0030]. Figures
[0031]. Further characteristics and advantages of the.
furniture structure according to the invention will become
clear from the following description of some non-limiting
embodiments thereof, provided merely by way of example, and

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with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032]. figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly
comprising a plurality of furniture structures;
[0033]. figure 2 is a perspective view of a step in the
assembly of a furniture structure and in particular the step
of joining a back panel to a shoulder;
[0034]. figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of a ,
furniture structure, in which the shoulder has been cut to
show an enlarged view of the top only, where it supports a
covering element, a hook of a pair Of overlapping shelves and
the base where joined to the base structure;
[0035]. figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a
shoulder with details of parts of the coupling of the back
panel, the connection of the base structure and the height-
adjustable feet;
[0036]. figure 5 is a longitudinal crOss-section of a
pair of furniture structures joined together by means of a
common shoulder, the base structures and the covering
elements, and the coupling of the two back panels to the same
shoulder;
[0037]. figure 6 is a perspective view of a detail of a
shoulder and of a coupling between a back panel and its tenon
in undercut with the block seat of a check block inserted into
a hollow structure of the shoulder;

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[0038].
figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a
detail of the base of a shoulder at the point where it is
provided with a height-adjustable foot and a base structure is
firmly joined to the base of the shoulder;
[0039]. figure 8
is a perspective view of a detail of
the back of a covering panel, in this case a covering element
plate, with blind seats into which coupling pins fitted with
an undercut supporting washer pre-loaded by elastic means are
inserted;
[0040]. figure 9
is a perspective view of a detail of
an end shoulder with its external surface opposite to that for
coupling to the back panel in which there are obtained
covering panel seats provided with seat inlet openings for the
pin and washer and a panel coupling slit to allow the coupling
pin stem to slide and prevent it from escaping;
[0041].
figure 10 is a front view of a detail of the
covering panel, with blind seats into which is inserted a
coupling pin with undercut supporting washer pre-loaded by
elastic means when fitted on the wall of the shoulder;
[0042]. figure 11
is a side view of the detail shown in
figure 10;
[0043].
figure 12 is a cross-sectional view in
correspondence to the axis of the pin of the part shown in
figure 10;

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[0044].
figures 13 to 23 are schematic perspective
views of different steps in the assembly and adjustment of a
plurality of furniture structures to form a bookcase with
shelves which, in particular, for each furniture structure,
consist of first placing a shoulder in position, then of
coupling a back panel by inserting in undercut the back panel
tenon into the shoulder slit and optionally into the check
block seat, then of coupling the base structure, then of =
coupling the opposite shoulder, then starting over again until
all the furniture structure modules have been joined and
lastly of coupling the covering structures and then adjusting
the height of the feet supporting the shoulders, mounting some
of the shelves leaving the base accessible, wiring the
furniture structure assembly to connect the power supply, for
example to any lighting fixtures, and then assembling the last
shelves, possibly after adjusting the height of the shoulder
feet again;
[0045].
figure 24 is a perspective view of a detail of
the insertion of a back panel tenon in undercut in a block
seat, showing the clearance between the parts.
[0046].
Description of some preferred embodiments of the
invention
[0047]. With reference to the aforesaid figures and
according to a general embodiment of the invention, a

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furniture structure 1 comprises at least one shoulder 2 having
a shoulder body 3 of a preset height H.
[0048]. Said shoulder
body 3 has at least one wall 4 which
delimits said shoulder body 3. Said shoulder body 3 comprises
5 at least one shoulder slit 5 forming an opening through said
at least one wall 4 having a preset longitudinal dimension and
a preset transversal dimension or width, indicated by
reference numeral "31".
[0049]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
10 furniture structure 1 further comprises a back panel 6 which
has a substantially plate-shaped back panel body 7 having a
preset thickness "r" transverse in relation to said plate-
shaped back panel body 7. According to one embodiment of the
invention, said back panel body 7 comprises at least one back
panel edge 8 suitable to cooperate with said at least one
shoulder 2 to form said furniture structure 1.
[0050]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel edge 8 has at least one tenon portion or tenon 9
comprising a tenon neck 10 and a tenon projection 11.
[0051]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
tenon neck 10 has a preset neck dimension "s", transverse in
relation to said plate-shaped back panel body 7.
[0052]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
tenon projection 11 has a tenon projection dimension R",
=

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=
11
transverse in relation to the plate-shaped back panel body 7,
greater than said preset neck dimension "r".
[0053].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
tenon projection 11 has a tenon projection dimension R"',
transverse in relation to the plate-shaped back panel body 7,
greater than said neck dimension "s".
[0054].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
at least one back panel tenon 9 is inserted into said shoulder
slit 5 by arranging its tenon neck 10 astride said at least
one shoulder body wall 4 and bringing said tenon projection 11
in undercut with respect to the back panel body 7.
[0055].
According to one embodiment of the invention, the
furniture structure 1 further comprises a check block 12
having a check block body 13 that forms a block seat 14.
According to one embodiment of the invention, said block seat
14 comprises a block slot 15 facing outwards from the check
block 12. Said block slot 15 has a transverse dimension "s2"
substantially equal to the width "51" of the shoulder slit 5.
According to one embodiment of the invention, said block seat
14 further comprises an undercut block space 16 having a
transverse dimension of the space "s3" greater than said block
slot 15 transverse dimension.
[0056].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
check block 12 is joined to said shoulder 2 so as to make said

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12
block slot 15 aligned with and face said shoulder slit 5 from
the opposite side to the at least one shoulder body wall 5
with respect to the back panel body 7 to receive a portion of
said tenon neck 10 in said block slot 15 and to receive said
tenon projection 11 in said undercut block space 16 to join
said back panel 6 to said shoulder 2.
[0057]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
tenon projection 11 has a tenon projection dimension R",
transverse in relation to the plate-shaped back panel body 7,
greater than the transverse dimension "s2" of said block slot
15.
[0058]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
tenon neck 11 is received in said shoulder slit '5 of said at
least one shoulder body wall 4 with a clearance.
[0059]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
tenon neck 11 is received in said block slot 15 of said block
seat 16 with a clearance.
[0060]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
tenon projection 11 is received in said undercut block space
16 with a clearance.
[0061]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
shoulder slit 5 extends across the entire shoulder height "H"
of said shoulder 2.
[0062]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said

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13
back panel edge 8 of said back panel body 7 geometrically
couples with a clearance with said shoulder slit 5 across its
entire length.
[0063].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel tenon 9 is formed by a back panel plate-shaped body
projection 17 to which at least two tenon blocks 18 are firmly
secured, for example by welding, and on opposite sides.
[0064].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel body 7 is obtained from a plate, for example made
of metal, for example made of steel or steel alloy, by laser
cutting.
[0065].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
shoulder 2 is made of a first material, said back panel 6 is
made of a second material, and said check block 12 is made of
a third material.
[0066].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel 6 and said check block 12 are made of the same
material.
[0067].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
shoulder 2 is made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, said
back panel 6 is made of steel or a steel alloy and said check
block 12 is made of steel or a steel alloy.
[0068]. According to one embodiment of the invention, a
furniture structure 1 comprises two opposite shoulders 2 that

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14
are identical or specular to one another, suitable to couple
with an interposed back panel 6 to form a furniture structure
module.
[0069]. According to one embodiment of the invention, a base
structure 20 is comprised, arranged at the bottom and to
firmly connect the base of said opposite shoulders 2 to form a
furniture structure module.
[0070]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel body, 7 has at least one second back panel edge 21,
substantially orthogonal to said back panel edge 8 cooperating
with the shoulder 2, which is arranged at the bottom of said
back panel 6.
[0071]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel body 7 has at least a third back panel edge 25,
substantially orthogonal to said back panel edge 8 cooperating
with the shoulder 2, which is arranged at the top of said back
panel 6.
[0072]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
second back panel edge 21 is delimited by opposite back panel
plate surfaces 22, 23. According to one embodiment of the
invention, said base structure 20 cooperates with said second
back panel edge 21 to tighten and closely press said opposite
back panel plate surfaces 22, 23.
[0073]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said

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base structure 20 comprises at least one pair of base beams 26
having prevailing length and folded ends 27. Said beam 26
rests on and tightens and presses closely the back panel 6,
with the opposite beam arranged on the opposite side of the
5 back panel, and firmly connects with its beam ends 27 to the
shoulder 2.
[0074]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel 6, with its back panel tenons 9 arranged to extend
the superiorly arranged third back panel edge 25, connects
10 with said opposite shoulders 2 and said opposite shoulders 2
are mutually connected in the proximity of their base through
said base beams 26, thus forming a superiorly and inferiorly
closed modular structure.
[0075]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
15 furniture structure 1 further comprises a cover structure 19,
supported by said shoulders 2.
[0076]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
structure has a longitudinal cover seat 24.
[0077]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
third back panel edge 25 is delimited by opposite back panel
plate surfaces 22, 23 and said cover structure 19 cooperates
with said third back panel edge 25, which is at least
partially received in said longitudinal cover seat 24.
[0078]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said

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16
shoulder 2 is manufactured as a hollow box-shaped structure,
for example as an extrudate or a plurality of mutually
connected extrudates. According to one embodiment of the
invention, said check block 12 is received in said hollow
structure, hiding the connection with the back panel tenon 9
from view.
[0079]. According to one embodiment of the invention, the
shoulder 2 comprises at least one foot 28, adjustably
extending from the shoulder 2 in order to adjust the height of
the shoulder 2 from a supporting plane 29, for example a floor
of a building.
[0080]. According to one embodiment of the invention, each
shoulder 2 comprises at least two feet 28 adjustably extending
from the shoulder 2. According to one embodiment of the
invention, said at least two feet 28 are arranged at the
opposite ends of the shoulder base 2 and can be adjusted to
raise the shoulder, and, therewith, the entire furniture
structure 1 from the supporting plane 29, for example to
compensate for construction tolerances or deformations due to
the load supported by the furniture structure, or thermal
deformations of the furniture structure.
[0081]. According to a general embodiment of the invention,
a furniture structure 1 comprises a covering panel 30
connected to at least one shoulder 2 in its surface opposite

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17
to the back panel 6.
[0082]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
shoulder comprises an embedding seat 31 which receives said
covering panel 30 by burying it flush with the edges of the
embedding seat 31.
[0083]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
covering panel has a surface facing the shoulder or back,
comprising at least one preferably blind seat 32.
[0084]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, in
said seat a coupling pin 33 is firmly received, having a free
end 34 and stop means for elastic means 35 fitted on said
coupling pin to affect in pre-load an undercut supporting
washer 36. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
pin 33, together with said washer 36 pre-loaded by said
elastic means 35 are received in a covering panel seat 37
provided in a wall of said shoulder 2. Said covering panel
seat 37 having an inlet opening 38 of a width capable of
receiving the pin 33 and the washer 36. According to one
embodiment Of the invention, said opening 38 continues with a
panel coupling slit 39 suitable to allow the stem of said
coupling pin 33 to slide, but preventing the escape of the
undercut supporting washer 36 that, when inserted into said
seat 37, elastically affects said covering panel 30 abutting
against the shoulder 2 and connecting the panel 30 to the

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18
shoulder 2 hiding each joining means from view, thus avoiding
the use of permanent fixing means, such as glue or welding.
[0085].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
covering panel is a covering element plate 30.
[0086]. According
to a general embodiment of the invention,
the shoulder 2 comprises at least a series of anchoring means
40 of support hooks for shelves 41.
[0087].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
anchoring means 40 comprise a rack received in a track 42
within the shoulder 2 but facing with rack anchoring loops 43
a track slot 44 through which support hooks for shelves 41 are
inserted and are coupled with said anchoring loops 43 to
support a shelf 41 at the preset height.
[0088].
According to one embodiment of the invention, a pair
of opposite shoulders 2, clamped by a back panel 6 and a base
structure 20, form a structure of a bookcase to which a
plurality of shelves or ledges 41 are coupled 41.
[0089].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
back panel is made of steel plate having a thickness ranging
from between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably 2 mm.
[0090].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
check block 12 is made of steel and forms a block seat with a
height ranging from between 20 mm and 700 mm, preferably
between 30 and 100 mm, to receive in undercut the tenon

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19
projection 11 of the back panel 6.
[0091]. The steps in
a method of assembling a furniture
structure will now be described. Said method comprises the
following steps:
[0092]. - providing a
furniture structure 1 as described
above;
[0093]. - vertically
arranging a shoulder 2 on a supporting
plane 29;
[0094]. - fitting a
back panel tenon 9 in undercut in a
shoulder slit 5.
[0095]. According to
one embodiment of the invention, said
method comprises the further steps of:
=
[0096]. - at least
partially inserting a back panel edge 8
in a shoulder slit 5.
[0097].
According to one embodiment of the invention, said
method comprises the further steps of:
[0098]. -
arranging a second opposite shoulder 2 facing the
first one and
[0099]. - fitting in undercut an opposite back panel tenon 9
provided at the opposite end of the back panel 6 in a shoulder
slit 5 of the opposite shoulder 2.
[00100]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
method comprises the further steps of:
[00101]. - at least partially inserting an opposite back

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panel edge 8 in an opposite shoulder slit 5 of the opposite
shoulder 2.
[00102]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
method comprises the further steps of:
5 [00103]. - before fitting in undercut the opposite back panel
tenon 9 in the shoulder slit 5 of the opposite shoulder 2,
connecting a base structure 20 to the base of the first
shoulder 2, tightening and pressing closely the back panel 6.
[00104]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
10 method comprises the further steps of:
[00105]. - connecting the opposite shoulder 2 to the opposite
end of the base. structure 20 and
[00106]. - resting a cover structure 19 on the opposite
shoulders by fitting the longitudinal cover seat 24 on the
15 back panel edge.
[00107]. According to a general embodiment of the invention,
said method of assembly comprises the steps of:
[00108]. - inserting the at least one coupling pin 33 and the
undercut supporting washer 36 projecting from the rear of a
20 covering panel 30 into an inlet opening seat 38 of a covering
panel seat 37 provided in an end shoulder of a furniture
structure;
[00109]. coupling in undercut of the wall of a shoulder body
3 the supporting washer 36 by sliding the stem of the coupling

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21
pin along the panel coupling slit. According to one embodiment
of the invention, said method comprises the further steps of:
[00110]. - embedding the covering panel 30 in the embedding
seat 31 of the shoulder 2.
[00111]. According to one embodiment of the invention, said
method comprises the further steps of:
[00112]. - inserting the at least one coupling pin 33 and the
undercut supporting washer 36, projecting from the rear part of
a covering panel 30 into an inlet opening seat 38 of a
covering panel seat 37 provided in a cover structure of a
furniture structure;
[00113]. coupling in undercut of the wall of a cover
structure body the supporting washer 36 by sliding the stem of
the coupling pin along the panel coupling slit and
[00114]. - embedding the covering panel 30 in the embedding
seat of the cover structure.
[00115]. It is clear that modifications and variations may be
made to the furniture structure according to the invention by
a person skilled in the art, according to different
circumstances and requirements, without departing from the
scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended
claims.

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REFERENCE NUMERALS
1 furniture structure
=
2 shoulder
3 shoulder body
4 shoulder body wall
shoulder slit
6 back panel
7 back panel body
8 back panel edge
b back panel tenon
1
tenon neck
0
1
tenon projection
1
1
check block
2
1
check block body
3
1
block seat
4
1
block slot
5
1
6 undercut block space
1
back panel body projection
7
1
tenon block
8
1
cover structure
9
2
base structure
0
2
second back panel edge
1
2
2 back panel plate surface
2
opposite back panel plate surface
3
2
longitudinal cover seat
4
2
third back panel edge
5
2
base beam
6

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23
2
beam end
7
2
height-adjustable foot
8
2
supporting plane
9
3
covering panel - stone ¨ cover element
0
3
embedding seat
1
3
2 covering panel seat
3
coupling pin
3
3
free and stopping end
4
3
elastic means
5_
3
6 undercut supporting washer
3
covering panel seat
7
3
seat inlet opening
8
3
panel coupling slit
9
4
anchoring means for shelf support hooks
0
4
1 shelf
4
2 track for rack
4
anchoring loops
3
4
track slot =
4
H shoulder height
shoulder slit width
1
block slot width
2
=
undercut block space width
3
r back panel width
s tenon neck dimension
R tenon projection dimension

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Event History

Description Date
Application Not Reinstated by Deadline 2018-12-14
Inactive: Dead - RFE never made 2018-12-14
Deemed Abandoned - Failure to Respond to Maintenance Fee Notice 2018-12-14
Inactive: Abandon-RFE+Late fee unpaid-Correspondence sent 2017-12-14
Change of Address or Method of Correspondence Request Received 2015-06-16
Inactive: Cover page published 2015-02-02
Inactive: Notice - National entry - No RFE 2014-12-18
Inactive: IPC assigned 2014-12-18
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2014-12-18
Application Received - PCT 2014-12-18
National Entry Requirements Determined Compliant 2014-11-26
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2013-12-12

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2018-12-14

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2017-10-23

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
Basic national fee - standard 2014-11-26
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - standard 02 2014-12-15 2014-11-26
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - standard 03 2015-12-14 2015-10-23
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - standard 04 2016-12-14 2016-10-31
MF (application, 5th anniv.) - standard 05 2017-12-14 2017-10-23
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
UNIFOR S.P.A.
Past Owners on Record
CESARE PICCHIO
PIETRO MOLTENI
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Drawings 2014-11-26 9 341
Claims 2014-11-26 11 346
Description 2014-11-26 23 726
Abstract 2014-11-26 1 77
Representative drawing 2014-11-26 1 13
Cover Page 2015-02-02 2 60
Notice of National Entry 2014-12-18 1 194
Courtesy - Abandonment Letter (Request for Examination) 2018-01-25 1 166
Courtesy - Abandonment Letter (Maintenance Fee) 2019-01-25 1 174
Reminder - Request for Examination 2017-08-15 1 125
PCT 2014-11-26 13 449
Correspondence 2015-06-16 5 141